Top 50 most powerful women in wine: 40-31

31. CHRISTINA FORNER

Christina Forner is the third generation of the Forner family to work in wine, the second at Marqués de Cáceres, which her father founded in 1970 with Emile Peynaud, a friend from his time in Bordeaux.

Taking over the running of her family business from her father in 2007, Forner immediately started to make her mark. She is known for her enthusiasm, for striving determinedly for quality and her drive to promote Rioja and its brands. She was db’s Woman of the Year 2011 for her “considerable business acumen and professionalism.”

Forner is a prominent figure in Rioja Alta where the winery is situated, but is also used to operating on an international stage, not only for her own bodega but also for the wines of her region.